Brain Tumor Treatment in India

A brain tumor refers to an abnormal growth of cells in the brain leading to a mass or lump formation in or around it. This mass formation inside the head affects the brain’s functioning and could be life-threatening. The chances of a person developing a brain tumor in their life are less than 1%. Brain tumors are the most common central nervous system tumors, accounting for 85–90%.

Types of Brain Tumor

Brain tumors could be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Based on their origin, brain tumors can be classified as:

• Primary brain tumors: These tumors start in the brain and could be low-grade (slow-growing) or high-grade (fast-growing).
• Secondary brain tumors: These tumors originate in other body organs (lungs, breast, kidney, etc.) and spread to the brain.

Alternatively, brain tumors are classified as gliomas and non-gliomas.

• Gliomas originate from glial cells of the brain and are the most common brain tumors.
• Non-gliomas originate from cells other than glial cells and are less common.

Causes of Brain Tumor

Brain tumors could be caused by the following:

• Change in genes or mutations
• Exposure to radiation such as radiotherapy (cancer treatment), X-rays, or working in strong electromagnetic fields
• Hereditary factor: Approximately 5% of brain tumors are inherited
• Head injuries or history of head surgeries
• Metastasis of tumor from other body organs.

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of brain tumor include:

• Headaches that are more frequent and tend to worsen
• Seizures
• Vision changes
• Speech or hearing impairment
• Memory impairment
• Personality changes
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue Loss of control Disorientation
• Walking troubles
• Sleep issues
• Weakness or numbness in a specific body part
• Inability to concentrate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance disorder

Risk Factors of Brain Tumor

• Age: Children and the elderly are at increased risk
• Sex: Males are more likely to develop a brain tumor than females
• Exposure to harmful substances such as rubber, pesticides, solvents, vinyl chloride, etc.
• Family history
• History of infections, allergies, or viral infections
• Race and ethnicity: White people are more prone to it than black people
• Exposure to radiations and electromagnetic fields
• Use of N-nitroso compounds in diet or supplements
• Head injury
• History of seizures

Diagnosis and Tests of Brain Tumor

The doctors diagnose brain tumors by enquiring about the patient’s medical history, signs, symptoms, and physical examination followed by some imaging tests, and/or biopsy (tissue sampling), etc. Various diagnostic tests include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This is done to obtain detailed pictures of the various parts of the brain to identify the affected area.

Biopsy

Biopsy (tissue sampling) is done for the final diagnosis and to identify the brain tumor’s cells, tissues, and type.

In addition, various confirmatory tests could be recommended, such as:

• Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
• Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan
• Cerebral arteriogram
• Spinal tap
• Myelogram
• Biomarker tumor testing

Specialists who treat brain tumors are called surgical neuro-oncologists.

Brain Tumor Treatment

Brain Tumor Treatment will depend on the age, gender, type of tumor, the area affected, stage of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health condition.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the brain tumor is the preferred choice in treating brain tumors. Complete surgical removal involves removing the tumor entirely without damaging brain tissue. However, if the tumor is located in a significant area of the brain, or if the removal would critically harm the patient, partially removing it is preferable.

Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy

For tumors that are extremely difficult to remove surgically, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is more suitable. Stereotactic radiosurgery and targeted therapy to the affected area are the latest advancements in brain tumor treatment.

Medications

Medications like steroids, anticonvulsants, and pain medication could be prescribed to reduce pain, swelling, and seizures. In addition, various therapies like physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy for managing daily activities can be recommended. Your doctor might also recommend lifestyle modifications such as following an exercise regime and diet plan to regain strength and quick recovery.

Brain Tumor Treatment Cost

Brain tumor treatment cost in India depends on:

• The type of treatment
• Patient’s age and health condition
• Complications after the surgery
• Hospital stay
• Category of room opted for
• Surgeon’s expertise
• Diagnostic tests
• Medicines required
• Charges of anaesthesiologist, dietician and other staff

Besides the surgery fee, brain tumor treatment costs could also include the expenses for immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and any other additional treatment required.
If you want to get an average estimate, discuss it with your Brain Tumor doctor, who could give you a clear picture of what to expect.